Trip to Selby Gardens

This past weekend, in lieu of a beach trip, I went to Sarasota's Marie Selby Botanical Gardens.  They have an especially impressive collection of orchids and bromeliads from all over the world.  The ambience of the whole place is very calming, and you feel like you've been transported to a tropical rainforest. 

The orchids are in a special climate controlled house, but you walk through the rest of the outdoor gardens on a mostly paved path. 

Here are some of my favorite photos from my visit.

 

 

There are also banyan trees on the property.  The expansive roots never cease to amaze me.  If you haven't visited the Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Ft. Myers, that is a great place to see these special trees. 

 



 

 

An ibis looking for something to eat.

 

 

 





The edge of the gardens overlooks a beautiful view of Sarasota Bay. 

Here is a link to information about the history of Selby Gardens.

http://www.selby.org/gardens/history-marie-selby-gardens

And thus concludes another Sarasota adventure "by the sea!"